DEDC discusses trade opportunities with South Africa

The discussions were attended by His Excellency Mr Abba Omar, Ambassador; Her Excellency Ms Agnes Nyamande-Pitso, Consul General; Mr Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC, and other officials.

"DEDC is working to expand trade opportunities with many markets, including South Africa which presents significant export opportunities for Dubai based businesses,"

said Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Export Development Corporation.

Al Awadi said, "Dubai is attracting worldwide attention through its innovative business practices and as a result is emerging as a global business hub with a reputation for a dynamic and diverse economy. Dubai's non-oil exports grew by 48% from 2006 to 2007 and our re-exports also grew by 28% in the same period."

Exports from the UAE to South Africa reached Dhs2.3bn in 2007, whilst exports from South Africa to the UAE reached almost Dhs2.7bn in the same period.

The discussions with the South African Missions are part of a broader campaign by EDC to develop and enhance trade relationships with countries across the world. In conducting these discussions, EDC is working to uncover investment opportunities that will benefit both economies involved in the trade process.

"South Africa is seen as the gateway into Africa, and Dubai is seen as the trading hub of the GCC. It is a natural progression that we should be talking to each other to push forward further exports from our respective countries,"

said Ambassador Abba Omar.

Omar added, "South Africa's collaboration with EDC has the potential to further streamline and enhance trade relations between South Africa and the UAE. With South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, there are unlimited opportunities to be explored by UAE companies."